Art Degrees Online

ART 106. History of Art I (3 hours)
A survey of the major works of visual art and architecture from prehistoric times to the late Middle Ages in Europe. An investigation of how changes in subject matter and style reflect the power structures, ideals, philosophy, religion, scientific ideas, and literature of cultures that have contributed to the Western tradition. This course can be part of the Classical Studies Concentration.

ART 107. History of Art II (3 hours)
A survey of the major works of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the beginning of the Renaissance to the end of the nineteenth century. Attention is given to the changing role of the artist in the Western tradition and how styles in art relate to social, political, philosophical, religious, and scientific ideas.

ART 114. Art Methods and Materials (3 hours)
A practical course that explores the tools, materials, and processes used in sculpture, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and photography; their use and historical development will be stressed over the making of finished art work.

ART 115. Drawing Fundamentals (3 hours)
An introductory course with emphasis on basic drawing skills and idea development. Composition, perspective, line, value, and drawing technique will be explored through the use of a variety of drawing media.

ART 116. Fundamentals of Design and Color (3 hours)
An introductory course in two dimensional design concepts and color theory. Projects in a variety of media are used to investigate the properties and uses of color and to solve problems in two dimensional design.

ART 116C. Fundamentals of Design and Color (3 hours)
This course is identical to ART 116, with the exception that it is taught using computer- based media.

ART 202. Intermediate Drawing (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ART 115 or consent of the instructor.
An advanced course in drawing, stressing an individual approach to specific problems. Attention will be given to style development and presentation of finished work.

ART 203. Introduction to Crafts (3 hours)
Development of a philosophy of craft experience, using production as the basis of a materials sense. Honest workmanship, sincere utilization of substances, original design, and technical competence are stressed.

ART 223. Ceramics (3 hours)
Construction and decoration of stoneware pottery and small sculptures with an introduction to three dimensional design. Coil, slab, and wheel methods; firing and glazing.

ART 224. Sculpture (3 hours)
Basic three-dimensional design, modeling in clay, and carving in wood or stone. Preliminary models are developed into final sculptures.

ART 225. Painting (3 hours)
An introductory course in painting that explores pictorial composition through a variety of media. Completion of ART 115 and 116 prior to enrollment is recommended.

ART 226. Printmaking (3 hours)
Instruction in the creation of relief and intaglio prints (wood + linocuts, etching & aquatint, monotypes, collagraphs). It is highly recommended that students complete ART 115 or have some drawing skills before taking printmaking.

ART 254. Beginning Digital Imaging (3 hours)
An introductory-level course focusing on the use of computers as aids in designing artwork and as mediums for creative work. This course includes an introduction to the concepts of using new media and how it relates to contemporary art theory and practice. Work created will be produced for print media, interactivity, and motion. This will culminate in the creation of a digital portfolio.

ART 350. Life Drawing (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ART 115 or consent of instructor.
A study of the human figure from life and anatomical models in charcoal, pen and ink, and other graphic media.

ART 351. Advanced Sculpture (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ART 224 or consent of instructor.
Instruction in figure modeling, carving and casting, as well as the use of new materials. Pneumatic equipment for stone and wood carving are utilized.

ART 352. Advanced Painting (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ART 225 or consent of instructor.
Wide latitude is given in the choice of painting media, problems, and techniques, encouraging individual creative expression.

ART 353. Advanced Ceramics (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ART 223 or consent of instructor.
Instruction in wheel-thrown and slab-built pottery and sculpture. Glaze theory and formulation, historical topics, and alternative methods for firing, glazing, and surface treatment of ceramics are investigated.

ART 354. Digital Imaging (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ART 254.
An advanced level course teaching the use of the computer as an aid in designing art work and as a medium for creative work.

ART 355.Watercolor (3 hours)
Prerequisite: ART 115 or consent of the instructor.
A painting course in which the medium of transparent watercolor is used to explore a wide range of subjects. Much of the work for the class will be done on location.

ART 362. Ancient Art (3 hours)
A study of selected themes from the arts of Greece and Rome, and archeological and art historical techniques for dating, attributing, and interpreting works of art.

ART 363. Art of the Middle Ages (3 hours)
A survey of the major works of art and architecture from the end of the Roman Empire to the late Gothic period. Early Christian, Byzantine, Northern early medieval styles, and the Romanesque and Gothic art of the High Middle Ages (and some of the music) are related to the life and beliefs of the times. This course can be part of the Classical Studies Concentration.

ART 365. The Italian Renaissance (3 hours)
An in-depth look at the art, artists, and patrons who created the perspectival figurative tradition that still shapes our visual world. Information is given about the impact of new materials and techniques, training, patronage, as well as theoretical ideas about art and artists.

ART 366. Baroque Age (3 hours)
A survey of the change and variety in Baroque art from England, Holland, Italy, Spain, and other European countries. Students will learn to analyze structures and styles to see how they related to the changing scientific and religious beliefs at the beginning of the modern age.

ART 367. Modern Art History (3 hours)
A survey of the Neo-classic, Romantic, and Realist Revolutions that started the age of “isms” from Impressionism and Expressionism to Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, and many others up to the “post-modern” age.

ART 368. Far Eastern Art (3 hours)
The arts of the Far East, primarily those of India, China, and Japan are studied in relation to their religious and political history.

ART 370.Women in Art (3 hours)
A consideration of the contributions of women in the field of art and the social context in which they have worked, as well as the depiction of women in works of art to discover the criteria by which we judge works of art (and artists) and how visual images can reinforce or change our sense of reality, such as assumptions about gender roles.

ART 380. Special Arts Subjects (Subtitle) (3 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
A study of some significant area not otherwise covered in credit offerings. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit.

ART 411. Art Education: The Early Years and Middle Grades (3 hours)
A study of the methods, materials, and curriculum appropriate for guiding art activities in kindergarten through grade eight.

ART 413. Art Methods and Media (3 hours)
Prerequisites: ART 411 and admission to the teacher education program.
A study of the methods, media, and materials for teaching art at the secondary level in the public schools. Field experience required. (Does not count toward the art major).

ART 470. Gallery Internship (1 hour)
Prerequisite: a declared art major or permission of the instructor.
Students learn the general operation and management of a gallery and exhibition planning and presentation. Students propose, design, hang exhibitions; write and publish catalogs and publicity; read and discuss articles on theory of exhibitions; act as docents for student groups as well as possibly doing volunteer work for local museums. Graded S/U May be repeated for a maximum of 2 hours credit.

ART 475. Problems in Art Criticism (3 hours)
Prerequisites: ART 367 and senior status, or consent of the instructor.
An investigation of the origins, nature, and functions of the visual arts to develop criteria of aesthetic judgment.

ART 490. Directed Independent Study (1-3 hours)
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and chair.
An advanced course in art theory, practice, or research may be designed for a student who evidences clarity of purpose and unusual ability in art. (This course may complement but not replace or duplicate the major project.) May be taken for variable credit of 1-3 hours, one hour of credit for each three hours of studio work per week. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours credit.

In addition to studies in their program major, all of our students puruse a well-rounded education in foundational design, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Art History, and interdisciplinary and special studies.

Here are the course requirements for this major:
KCAH 111 – Western Art I: Prehistoric through the Renaissance – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: None

An introduction to the concepts of style and artistic theory reflecting the accomplishments of ancient civilizations, the advent of Christianity during the Middle Ages, and the reawakening of Western culture during the Renaissance. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 110, Prehistoric through Middle Ages, may not use credit earned in KCAH 111 to meet graduation requirements.)
KCAH 112 – Western Art II: Baroque to the Present – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111

Explores the content, context and style of art from the Reformation to the present. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 111, Renaissance through 20th Century, may not use credit earned in KCAH 112 to meet graduation requirements.)
KCAH 203 – Special Topics in Art History – 1 to 3 Credits
KCAH 210 – World Art – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

An introduction to the art and architecture of African, American Native, and Asian societies from prehistory to the Colonial Era.
KCAH 211 – Design History I: Ancient to Victorian – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A survey of the (a) developments in architecture, interiors, furniture, decorative, and fine arts; and (b) the designers themselves from ancient times to the mid-19th century. Origins and influences, styles and techniques, and interrelationships among the above arts are major themes.
KCAH 212 – Design History II: Victorian through Contemporary – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120 KCAH 211 (Furniture Design and Interior Design majors only)

A continuation of KCAH 211, tracing (a) developments in architecture, interiors, furniture, decorative, and fine arts; and (b) their designers from the late 19th century to present day. Major themes include interrelationships among the above arts as well as cultural, economic, political, geographical, or religious influences on design cycles.
KCAH 213 – Native Art of the Americas – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A survey of the arts of ancient cultures of Meso-America and of North America: Eskimo, Northwest Coast, the Southwest, Plains, and Woodland people.
KCAH 214 – History of Graphic Design – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A survey of important developments in graphic design from the invention of alphabets to the advent of mass media and the computer age. Formerly KCAH 320.
KCAH 215 – History of Industrial Design – 3 Credits h4. Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A survey of industrial design arts and the historical development of the profession of industrial design from its origins in ancient traditional crafts through contemporary design. Artistic, social, cultural, political, and/or economic issues influencing design theories and product development will be investigated. The emphasis will be on 20th century developments.
KCAH 216 – Asian Art – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A study of the arts of the Middle East, India, China, and Japan from Neolithic times to the 20th century. The course will explore philosophical, political, and social influences on Eastern art and culture.
KCAH 217 – African Art – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A survey of the arts and crafts of Tribal Africa.
KCAH 220 – Art of the United States – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A survey of the art, craft, and architecture of the United States from the Colonial period to World War II.
KCAH 303 – Special Topics in Art History – 1 to 3 Credits
KCAH 311 – Modern Art and Modernism – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A study of the concept of Modernism and how it is expressed in art and architecture from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century. (Students who have earned credit for ARTH 310, History of Twentieth Century Art, may not use credit earned in KCAH 311.)
KCAH 312 – Architecture and Architects – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A study of selected periods of international architecture. Special emphasis may be placed on the role and influence of the architect in contributing to building design and methods, urban planning, environmental and cultural needs, and concepts of domesticity.
KCAH 315 – History of Fashion as Art – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A study of fashion as an art form, related to the fine arts and reflective of the changing cultural values of Western Europe and America. Explores textiles, styles of male and female clothing, accessories, hairstyles, and body proportions as they relate to a consideration of the nature of beauty.
KCAH 316 – History of Photography – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A study of photography as a fine art and as documentary; at issue will be photography’s relationship to other arts, its impact on modern culture, and the impact of modern culture upon it.
KCAH 317 – Contemporary Art – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A study of the painting, sculpture, architecture, and design of the late 20th and early 21st centuries including the philosophies, beliefs, and changing roles of the artists.
KCAH 318 – History of Illustration – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A study and critical history of various mass media including illustration, poster and advertising art, and cartooning, as a means of communication and propaganda in the modern era.
KCAH 319 – American Realism – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A critical study of painting in the United States from colonial portraiture to romantic landscapes to social realism in the 20th century.
KCAH 321 – Art of Islam – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

An in-depth study of the arts and architecture of certain Islamic cultures with emphasis on the development of style, techniques, and motifs in art from Spain and North Africa to Persia and India.
KCAH 322 – History of American Architecture – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A study of the development of architecture from early native dwellings and villages to the present time. Cultural diversity and traditions will be discussed as well as regional characteristics, materials, and new technologies and how they contribute to the innovative aspects of this country’s experience.
KCAH 399 – Independent Study: Art History – 1 to 3 Credits
Prerequisites: 3.0 G.P.A., junior/senior standing
KCAH 400 – Special Problems: Art History – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: 3.0 G.P.A., junior/senior standing
KCAH 403 – Seminar in Art History – 1 -3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120

A seminar dealing with topics of limited or special interest in art history, theory, and criticism.
KCAH 407 – Historiography – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120, junior/senior standing

A critical examination of the history of art history from its origins in the enlightenment to the post-modern age.
KCAH 408 – African American Art – 3 Credits
Prerequisites: KCAH 111, KCAH 112, KCHU 120, junior/senior standing

A critical examination of the issues associated with the art of African Americans of the modern and postmodern eras.

The Department of Art offers programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and the Master of Fine Arts. The department is committed to creative research that investigates the relationship between inquiry and practice and how this dynamic manifests itself in contemporary and historical approaches to cultural production in a continually changing world.

The two-year program provides graduate students with the opportunity to explore studio production and theoretical work in a flexible structure that encourages individual development within an interdisciplinary context. The department stresses the importance of a rigorous understanding of the conditions in which art is produced. Students are exposed to methodologies of inquiry that foster innovative and problem-solving skills necessary for artistic development and creative production.

The program’s internationally accomplished faculty are actively engaged in a range of disciplines and areas that include art and cultural theory, art history, film, video, sound, architecture, digital media, print media, photography, performative studies, painting, spatial arts and related courses in the Humanities, Sciences and Engineering. A significant number of the permanent faculty hold joint or affiliate appointments with other departments such as the Media Arts & Technology graduate program, History of Art and Architecture, Asian American Studies, Comparative Literature and Film Studies. The department also maintains affiliate appointments with current faculty in History of Art and Architecture, English and German & Slavic Studies.

Students are given the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty who are involved in a wide range of research practices. In conjunction with an intensive curriculum which includes theory, studio critique seminars, professionalism, a range of directed media research courses, and the department’s visiting artist lecture symposia, the study program provides graduate students with direct exposure to professional artists who visit individual graduate students’ studios.

The department wishes to attract motivated students who will benefit from interaction with a diverse and challenging faculty in an environment that offers focused research within a compelling natural setting while gaining exposure to the opportunities presented in the urban centers of Los Angeles and San Francisco.